MSC Monterey, originally built for the United States Maritime Commission as a C-4 cargo vessel (together with sister ship Mariposa), has a traditional, but now dated 1950s ocean liner profile. Since then the ship has had a long life and several owners. In 1956 it was sold to the Matson Navigation Company of San Francisco, and rebuilt as a passenger ship, for voyages to Australia and New Zealand.
With a strong hull, this is a very solid, stable ship at sea. It has an almost vertical bow and an overhanging aircraft-carrier-like stern that is not at all handsome when viewed from ashore, although it does provide a good amount of open deck space around the white-tiled swimming pool and Jacuzzis. There are partly enclosed port and starboard walking promenades, although they do not wrap around the vessel.
The ship was refurbished in a moderate art deco style, and a new sports deck was added several years ago. There is a reasonable amount of sheltered and open deck space, and some forward open observation deck space atop some suites that were added in the late 1980s when it was owned and operated by the now defunct Aloha Pacific Cruises.
Inside, there are a reasonable number of public rooms for the size of the ship. All have high ceilings, although there is little elegance. There is too much cold steel and not enough warmth in the interior decoration, although this was rectified to some extent some time ago when decor changes were made. Rising through three decks is a large, slim totem pole, a carry-over from the ship’s brief period with Aloha Pacific Cruises.
This ship will cruise you in reasonable style and surroundings, with mainly European, and particularly Italian speaking passengers (about 60%). Port taxes are included. A 10% gratuity is added to all bar purchases. The onboard currency is the euro.
There is no observation lounge with forward-facing views over the ship’s bows. There are far too many loud, repetitive and unnecessary announcements – often in up to five languages. There is a charge for the sauna, which is located inside the beauty salon and operated by the concession.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
